ITV rides high with Cooper

ITV is to romp through the novels of Jilly Cooper in a new series of comedy adaptations.

A number of celebrated authors are working on four of the author's jolly tales.

First out of the traps is flamboyant 1970s-set romance Octavia, which is being adapted by Jonathan Harvey, the writer of hit BBC comedy Gimme, Gimme, Gimme.

The ITV director of entertainment and comedy, Paul Jackson, commissioned the drama from Touchpaper Television, part of the RDF Group.

He said: "This iconic series of Jilly Cooper books wonderfully reflects the 70s era. Octavia and future adaptations will provide fabulous, fun roles for some of the most exciting, fresh young actresses in the UK."

Executive producer Rob Pursey said: "From the first time we met with Jilly Cooper, it was clear that this project would be a huge amount of fun.

"With Jonathan Harvey adapting the novel it will celebrate the mischief, comedy and romance of the original story."

Octavia is executive produced by Mr Pursey - who also worked on Channel 4's The Queen's Sister - and Clelia Mountford.

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